Derek Fisher joins L.A. Sparks as head coach

LOS ANGELES, California — The Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA announced the hiring of Derek Fisher as head coach.

Fisher, a five-time NBA champion player and former head coach of the New York Knicks, will be introduced at a news conference on Friday in Los Angeles.

“I’m excited to be the new head coach of the LA Sparks,” Fisher said in a statement. “There is no finer organization in the WNBA and I can’t wait to work with our ownership group, front office, talented players and staff to cement a culture of sustained excellence, which is what LA basketball fans demand — and deserve.”

Fisher, 44, will inherit a team that includes two-time WNBA MVP Candace Parker.